naval exercise off Cape Town, after Iranian vessels joined the drills against his explicit instructions. The move shifts control of the investigation from the Department of Defence directly to the Presidency to ensure impartiality and speed.

This South Africa Iran naval exercise probe centres on the Chinese-led Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace 2026, which took place in South African waters in January. Ramaphosa had instructed the defence minister to exclude three Iranian warships, yet they took part.

Ramaphosa Appoints Judicial Panel for Independent Probe

The President announced the commission of inquiry on Thursday and appointed a panel led by Justice B.M. Ngoepe as chairperson. Justices K. Satchwell and M.M. Leeuw, together with Rear Admiral (JG) P.T. Duze, will serve as members. The panel reports directly to Ramaphosa and must complete its work within one month.

The judges hold strong powers. They can summon any member of the defence force or public official and access classified information. Their mandate covers the full circumstances of the exercise, factors that led to the failure to obey the President’s order, the people responsible and recommended consequences.

Ramaphosa, as commander-in-chief of the South African National Defence Force, emphasised that the relocation to the Presidency guarantees “an independent and timeous probe”. The panel’s work remains confidential for national security reasons, although the President may release all or part of its recommendations.

Background to the BRICS Naval Drills and Defiance

The Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace 2026 involved BRICS partners China and Russia alongside South Africa. Ramaphosa had ordered the Iranian navy’s exclusion at a time when Tehran faced international criticism for a deadly crackdown on protesters. Local media at the time reported that the President wanted Iran limited to observer status only.

Defence authorities initially launched their own internal investigation in mid-January. The Presidency has now taken full control. This is not the first public clash between government policy and military statements. In August 2025 the Department of International Relations and Cooperation reminded officials that only the foreign ministry speaks for government foreign policy, following remarks by a general in Iran.

The United States described Iran’s involvement as “particularly unconscionable”, according to reports at the time.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the panel’s appointment and its direct reporting line to the President.

“The instituting of the panel relates to the failure to heed the instruction by the President”

the official statement reads.